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View Full Version : Ran SpyBot, now I can't open files...


OliverSta
Mar 3, 2005, 06:19 PM
After fixing all the checked problems from the Spybot scan,
I tried opening up other files and programs, and the same error keeps coming up: "Cannot open file, must create an assocation file type in
Folder Options in the Control Panel"

Then, I tried changing the .exe file type in the Folder options and still didn't work.

Any suggestions are welcome!

Please help!

fredg
Mar 4, 2005, 07:07 AM
Hi,
This is a new one! Normally, SpyBot will not dis-associate any files.
You can un-do this by:
Open SpyBot.
In it's window, on the left hand side, click on the Recovery icon.
Then, click on Yes, to the pop-up.
Let it un-do what it did.
Then, close SpyBot, and re-boot the computer.
I then suggest running AdAware_SE to fix the problems again, hopefully not dis-associating files.

Here are steps to run both, with some suggestions for a great free program, Spyware Blaster, that stops stuff from getting into the computer to begin with:

Don't run SpyBot again until you have run AdAware_SE.

http://www.security-related.com/download2.htm
Download: SpyBot Search & Destroy; 1.3
(If you use the Spyware Blaster free program, then don't set SpyBot to the Immunization feature)

AdAware at:
http://www.lavasoftusa.com
Download: AdAware_SE

CWShredder at:
http://www.intermute.com/products/cwshredder.html
(CWShredder is intended only for removal of CoolWebSearch files; placed as spyware on the harddrive). It is not a "stand alone" scan, but needs to be run. Download the free version by clicking on "Download stand alone version of CW Shredder".

All 3 of the above programs run better and much faster when run in SafeMode.

To get into SafeMode:
Re-boot the computer, and immediately after starting up, Press and hold down, F8, at top of keypad.
When the options show on the screen, use the up and down arrow keys on the keyboard to select
"Safe Mode".
Press Enter

It's best to run the AdAware scan first; 3 times; then re-boot.
Then, run the AdAware scan again 3 times; then run the SpyBot. Then, run CWShredder.
Re- Boot.
Reason for running so many times:
Some of these trojans' files can be deleted the first time; leaving some others; but on re-boot, they re-write the files that were deleted.
Running multiple times deletes most of it the first
Time.

If you wish to have a great program, after you clean out Spyware/Advertising Ware:
SpyWare Blaster 3.2
Great, free, program that STOPS spyware, trojans, home page hijacks, etc, BEFORE they get into your computer. Check it out at CNET at link:

http://www.download.com/SpywareBlaster/3000-8022_4-10305680.html?tag=lst-0-2

Just for information:
If you wish to add or subtract from an Experts' reputation, or show appreciation or discontent with
An answer, click on the "balance scales" icon by the Experts' name. You can then choose what you wish.

Best wishes,
fredg

cremedies
Mar 20, 2005, 01:46 AM
If you are using Windows XP, try doing a system restore.